Pronunciation: [fˈʊləz] (IPA) 
The word "fullers" is a plural form of "fuller," which refers to a person who fulls cloth, or a machine that does the same. The IPA phonetic transcription for "fullers" is /ˈfʊlərz/. The initial letter "f" is pronounced with a voiceless labiodental fricative sound, followed by the short vowel "ʊ" and the consonant "l." The final syllable is pronounced with an unvoiced "z" sound due to the plural "-s" ending.
Fullers refer to individuals or establishments involved in the process of fulling, which is a textile finishing method. Fulling is a process used to improve the appearance, texture, and durability of woven fabrics or knitted materials. Fullers typically specialize in the treatment of woolen fabrics, although fulling can also be applied to other fibers like cotton or linen.
The process of fulling involves subjecting the fabric to mechanical, chemical, or thermal treatments to enhance its properties. Fullers traditionally achieved this by soaking the fabric in water and then beating or trampling it to consolidate the fibers, making it denser and more compact. This process helps to reduce the fabric's natural shrinkage, improve its strength and durability, and produce a softer and thicker material.
Historically, fulling has been a labor-intensive task requiring physical exertion. Therefore, the term "fullers" was commonly used to describe the individuals or groups responsible for performing this craft. These professionals possessed the skills and knowledge to manipulate the fabrics' properties effectively.
In modern times, fulling processes have been mechanized and automated, reducing the need for manual labor. However, the term "fullers" may still be used today to refer to fabric finishing establishments or businesses that specialize in fulling or offer services related to the treatment of textiles to enhance their quality and properties.
The word "fullers" is derived from the Middle English term "ful(l)er", which came from the Old English word "fullere". "Fullere" itself originates from the Proto-Germanic word "fullōną". The term "fullers" specifically refers to people who engage in the act of fulling, which is a process of cleaning and finishing cloth by subjecting it to pressure, moisture, and sometimes chemicals.
